“Everyone should be contributing to our discussion,” the teacher says loudly over the quiet hum of the classroom. “Participation will be a very noteworthy part of your grade.” While some students have never even considered the implications of this type of assessment, others are left with mediocre numbers “reflective” of their ability to contribute.

The motives for such an evaluation are understandable; teachers want their students to be able to articulate their thoughts and opinions in front of others. It’s all part of cultivating students who are able to command and lead. However, the execution of this evaluation could not be more unfair to those without one basic and necessary quality: extroversion.

Should participation factor into a student's grade?

• Yes, participation grades encourage an interesting discussion, vital in humanities courses.
• No, introverted students are pushed outside of their comfort zone, hindering their performance.

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The divide between those who are extroverts and those who are introverts is obvious in the classroom setting. Participation grades are the most biased part of this divide.

Extroverts speak to think, while introverts think to speak. Although this is the most general definition, it explains volumes. Participation grades are for those who can keep up with the discussion––who speak to think. Introverts are often left in thought, possibly coming up with a response well past its pertinent timeframe.

This is not to say that introverts are slow or cannot make applicable responses, but just that they must process further before speaking and vocalizing their thoughts may be a challenge.

The situation worsens when students are graded on their discussion of personal details such as their spirituality, family anecdotes, or personal experiences. By using this type of discourse in the classroom, a teacher not only gives unfair advantage to extroverts, but even goes as far as to challenge the introverts to share as if they were comfortable.

Furthermore, although they may benefit from classroom discussion, there is no purpose to assessing students on their personal views and experiences. In the end grades should weigh on the student’s work ethic and ability to grasp concepts, which does not need to be proved through open discussion. Grading students based on their willingness to share is not only academically nonsensical, it is unacceptable.

To expect or require a sort of discussionary contribution is not a just evaluation of a student’s comprehension of material. Knowledge is not always reflected by classroom motivation. A more fair judgment of participation is to grade on the somewhat less tangible attentiveness. And while this may be more challenging, it also gives the teacher a better opportunity to reflect on the makeup of the class.

Simply because an introverted student does not speak up does not mean that they aren’t paying attention, reflecting, or even thinking about the topic. It is unfair to assume that participation is entirely based upon speaking out. It is almost as if teachers use participation grades as a meaningless method of enforcing attentiveness.